§ 64. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what have been the unit subsidies, expressed per 7 lb., on potatoes for 1955–56, 1956–57 and 1957–58, respectively.
§ Mr. GodberThe estimated rates of subsidy per 7 lb. of second early and main crop potatoes used for human consumption from holdings of more than one acre are 0.2d. for the 1955 crop and 2.7d. for the 1956 crop. The comparable figure for the 1957 crop is forecast at 0.1d. These rates include allowances made to the Potato Marketing Board for administrative expenses in operating the guarantee arrangements in Great Britain.
§ 65. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the average growers' returns per acre for potatoes for 1955–56, 1956–57 and 1957–58, respectively.
§ Mr. GodberThe average grower's return per acre for potatoes is estimated at £115 for the 1955 crop and £89 for the 1956 crop. The forecast for the 1957 crop is £121 per acre.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the Joint Parliamentary Secretary say whether his right hon. Friend is still considering the system of price support for potatoes? If he is, can he say when he is likely to come to a conclusion upon it?
§ Mr. GodberYes, Sir; my right hon. Friend is considering it. I think reference was made to it in the White Paper on the Price Review this year, and consultations are now going on. I could not give any 578 undertaking about when a decision will be announced.
§ Mr. WilleyAs this matter has been under review for a considerable time, will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary impress upon his right hon. Friend that if he can reach an early decision, he ought to do so?
§ Mr. GodberI will certainly draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to the remarks which the hon. Gentleman has made. We hope to be in a position to announce something by the end of July.